Ben Shelton stunned defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to reach the US Open semifinals

Ben Shelton (Image credit: US Open) American Ben Shelton produced a stunning performance to beat defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to reach the semi-finals of the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday.Shelton defeated world number two Alcaraz in a five-set thriller, winning 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 to book a place in the last four. The match lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes and ended Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak.

Shelton prepares for the All-American semifinals

Shelton will now face American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.Tiafoe reached his third US Open semi-final after beating Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6) on Tuesday.The result guarantees an American will play in Sunday’s final as the United States continues its wait for a men’s major since Andy Roddick won the 2003 US Open.

The home crowd cheers for Shelton

Thousands of fans stayed at Arthur Ashe Stadium until the early hours of the morning to watch the game.Shelton received strong support from the home crowd, with fans chanting his name and shouting “USA! USA!” despite Alcaraz’s popularity.“It’s unbelievable,” Shelton said. “I always say this is the greatest sports city in the world, I say this is the greatest stadium in the world. I just hope my best friend and my sister don’t have to be over there at 6 o’clock in three hours at work.”

Shelton takes control after the first set

Alcaraz won the opening set in a tiebreak, but Shelton quickly turned the tide.The American won nine straight games, starting at the start of the second set and continuing to go 3-0 up in the third.Alcaraz then battled back to win the fourth set 6-1 to force a deciding set.

Alcaraz fights despite his illness

Alcaraz was playing his first tournament since April after returning from a right wrist injury.The defending champion continued to fight despite vomiting before the start of the final set.The fifth set eventually reached another tiebreak.Alcaraz took a 5-3 lead after winning four straight points, but Shelton responded with a strong serve and capitalized on some of his opponent’s mistakes.Shelton eventually sealed the win with a 146 mph submission that Alcaraz couldn’t return.

Shelton advances to the third major semi-final

The win put Shelton into his third Grand Slam semifinal.He previously reached the last four at the 2023 US Open and 2025 Australian Open.Meanwhile, Alcaraz is 15-2 in five-set matches.Before the injury, he won his seventh Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year.